3 replies to this topic

[Leeward Birder]

This observation is coming from St.Kitts in the West Indies, seeking advice if any can be given, with regards to birds at an airport.

The airport ground crew, on making its periodic checks of the runway etc,. discovered that there were a number of birds actually nesting on the airport tarmac. Why they are there is a puzzle, becuase the birds identified are sea birds and wading birds. There are a few Black-necked stilts and about 2 dozen or so Least Tern. The black-necked stilts have gatehered pebbles and made nests on the tarmac. One nests was observed with 4 eggs and another with 3. The Least Tern are laying straight and bare on the concreted area, one egg each (so far), some 2, and some are locating cracks in the concrete and laying the eggs in there.

Of course the airport crew is worried about airplane safety, but at the same time about the preservation of the nests. The nests are on a parking tarmac and taxi-way, but not on the actual landing and takeoff runway. Are there any suggestions/advice you can give regarding how best to handle this situation?

Thanks for your consideration!

[Leeward Birder]

While the authorities are very concerned with the enviromental aspect, they are equally concerned with the safety of the aircraft, and may just have to remove the eggs in due course. This is not the ideal solution, but may be the only one. If anyone has any ideas, they would be most welcome. Research seems to indicate that these types of birds may or may not pose a risk to aircraft, but they are fairly large birds!

[spookyjimjams]

I would call your department of fish and game if you have one, and make sure you don't get in trouble by removing the nests.

[Leeward Birder]

I would call your department of fish and game if you have one, and make sure you don't get in trouble by removing the nests.

Yes, l'lI certainly be letting the Authorities have the final say! As it is, the airport is, of course, fully fenced off and a restricted area, so no unauthorized person would be able to act independently of them!
In recent years we have been sighting Least terns breeding on the island, but mostly in areas of close access to the sea. The airport however is only about one mile from the sea in two directions.